Fort of the Three Kings

The Forte dos Reis Magos was begun on 6 January 1598, the feast of Epiphany, which is why it carries the name of the three kings, and it was built on a sandstone reef at the mouth of the Potengi River to stop French traders working the brazilwood coast. The city of Natal grew from it - the name means Christmas, for the season of the founding. It is a five-pointed star in stone and coral rock, reached by a causeway that the tide covers at the edges, with a chapel, cells, cisterns and a parade ground inside. The Dutch held it for a quarter of a century from 1633 during their occupation of the north-east, renaming it Keulen. From the walls you look across the river mouth to the dunes.

What you actually see

• A five-pointed star on a reef - built in stone and coral at the river mouth.
• A causeway approach - the walk out with water on both sides.
• A 1598 Epiphany founding - the date that named both fort and city.
• Dutch occupation traces - the quarter century when this was Fort Keulen.

When to go

September to February. Two hours.

Honest expectations

The fort has closed for extended restoration periods, so check before going. Interpretation is thin. There is no shade on the walls and the causeway walk is fully exposed. Surrounding beaches are not the best in the city.

Nearby

Genipabu dunes are north across the river; Ponta Negra is south along the coast.